Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) - Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Reversal of income tax valuation allowance	$ 731	$ (731)

Change in Valuation Allowance Resulting From Release of Valuation Allowance

No definition available.

Name:	usg_ChangeinValuationAllowanceResultingFromReleaseofValuationAllowance
Namespace Prefix:	usg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration